logo
episode-header-image
About this episode

I love puzzle feeders as a way to "ditch the bowl" and make mealtime an event. 

If you search "puzzle feeder" or "slow feeders" online countless options come up.  I have my favorite store bought feeders (see my Supplies page) but there's also many ways to DIY it!

In fact, I have three that you can make with stuff you were going to throw out anyway.  

Young puppies as well as older dogs can benefit from using these feeders to enrich their meal time.  

As always, safety first!  Not every enrichment activity is appropriate for every dog.  Use your discretion and always supervise!

In this episode I talk about:

  • What puzzle feeders are.
  • Why I recommend puzzle feeders. 
  • Three DIY feeders you can make with stuff around your house.
  • Adjustments for young puppies. 
  • As always, safety first.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #018: Ditch the Bowl and Make Mealtime an Event

Debbie's Recommended Supplies (including my favorite store bought treat balls and feeders)

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

The post YNP #084: My Favorite DIY Puzzle Feeders appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Up next
Jun 2025
YNP #103: Your Puppy’s First Night Home
Wondering what to do on your puppy's first night home?You're bringing your new puppy home, you're excited, you've got everything ready, and you already have great plans on how your new puppy will fit right into your family. But wait, do I know what to do that first night? Maybe y ... Show More
8m 10s
Nov 2024
YNP #101: Can I Play Tug of War With My Dog?
Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play. Yet I always get asked the question "Can I play tug of war with my dog?"The short answer is YES! Tug of war is great game for you and your pup. It's easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing ... Show More
10m 23s
May 2024
YNP #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog: With Justine Schuurmans
How do you know if your kids are ready for a dog? And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs, is going to answer those questions.Justine is the founder of The Famil ... Show More
31m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
#347 - Helping Kids Love Mealtime: OT Tips for Feeding Success!
<p>In today’s episode, we dive into some real-life feeding strategies that Jessica recently discussed with a fellow OT who’s working with a client struggling with picky eating and meal-time resistance. Feeling stuck in a rut? You&#39;re not alone! Sometimes it just takes a good b ... Show More
27m 34s
Jan 2025
Never Repeat Yourself Again: Tips to Help Kids Listen Every Time
Dr Cathryn is tackling a topic that might seem simple but is actually a big deal for little ones: understanding time. Hear about Marcus, a 3.5-year-old who loves the swings but struggles when it's time to leave. Why? Because his mom is giving a warning like this: “We’re leaving i ... Show More
10m 47s
Oct 8
Help Your Child Bounce Back
Kids don’t need to be “tough.” They need simple tools that build an inner voice: I can handle this. I can try again. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares quick, doable ways to grow resilience in everyday moments—no shaming, no lectures. Why mistakes are teachers (and how to respon ... Show More
11m 11s
Sep 2024
111: Where Do I Store Bulk Items?
<p>Bulk buys EVERYWHERE, but NO PANTRY in sight?!</p><p>Today&apos;s episode is a lifeline, straight from one mom to another. </p><p>Katie from Michigan called in with a relatable struggle: how to store all those amazing bulk buys without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone ... Show More
11m 22s
Nov 2023
The Power of Fewer Toys
Maximizing Playtime - Less is More! Episode Summary: In today's extra-bite-sized podcast, we delve deeper into the world of play and its impact on child development. We explore how fewer, open-ended toys can enhance creativity, and discuss organizing play spaces, toy rotations, a ... Show More
8m 40s
Jul 2025
How to Get Your Toddler to Listen Without Yelling: 7 Everyday Strategies Ep 111
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Is your toddler always pushing back, melting down, or refusing to help? </p><p>From messy playtime to getting out the door, you’ll learn how to:</p><p> – Encoura ... Show More
41m 10s
Aug 12
A Different Take on Screen Time
<p>We all know too much screen time isn’t good for kids—and our instinct as parents is to protect them from it. But when fear shapes how we manage screens at home, it can quickly turn into shame the moment they pick one up.</p><p>In today’s world, where screens are woven into so ... Show More
41m 21s
Sep 2023
Listening Made Easy
In this episode, we tackle the age-old issue: toddlers who just won't listen. Dr. Cathryn breaks down an easy-to-follow approach that not only grabs your toddler's attention but also boosts their emotional smarts. Get real-life tips to keep your cool and improve your little one's ... Show More
9m 42s
Dec 2024
Rude or Just Learning? Big-Hearted Fixes for Toddler Challenges
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn dives into three common toddler parenting challenges with big-hearted, practical solutions: Rudeness: Learn how to validate your toddler’s feelings without reinforcing rude behavior, teach social alternatives like waving instead of talking, and defuse ... Show More
15m 19s